What is Backflow and How Can it be Prevented?

May 15, 2018

Why Does Backflow Happen?

Backflow occurs when the pressure of your water flow is disrupted. There are several things that can throw off the balance of your water, such as near by water main breaks or temperature raises in your boiler. On a small scale, discoloration or a strange odor can be present. In more severe cases, sickness or even death can occur – depending on the level of contamination. Though your plumbing is an intricate, confusing system where it seems like things can easily go wrong, there are only two reasons why backflow might occur. Those reasons are:

Back Pressure. This is when you have a higher than average pressure in your system than the supply. When the pressure balance is offset, it leave room for potential backflow in your home.

Back siphonage. Contrary to back pressure, back siphonage occurs when the pressure level in your system drops below average. This is common when your supply is interrupted somehow.

No matter what the cause may be, it’s important for you to address the situation as soon as possible. Plumbing problems that are ignored can worsen at a rapid rate. In order to prevent worse problems down the road, repairs are necessary.

Risks Associated with Backflow

Backflow in your home or business can cause a wide variety of risks, including but not limited to the following:

Lack of potable water

Water storage can be affected

Pesticide or chemical contamination

Waste contamination

These problems can pose a serious risk to your home and health. At the first sign of a problem, call Anthony’s.

Backflow Prevention – How Anthony’s Plumbing Can Help

Backflow prevention is an essential part in any home. Here at Anthony’s we can install a device that ensures a pressure change between your municipal water supply or sewage system doesn’t result in drinking water contamination. A prevention device not only keeps you from ingesting any contaminated water, but it also prevents your own sewage from backing into the city’s supply.

Due to the high risk, Anthony’s Plumbing professionals will work quickly and efficiently in making sure that your water supply is healthy 100% of the time. With an job, we provide:

Anti-theft options for your backflow prevention system, such as fences, to ensure your system isn’t damaged or stolen.

Quality inspections to make sure that your system is always up to code.

Quality repairs to ensure that previously problematic parts don’t cause any issues down the road.

Your water should always be clean and safe. At the first sign of a backflow issue, call Anthony’s Plumbing.